Armenia national security service prevents major terror plot

The National Security Service (NSS) of Armenia has released new details involving Zhirayr Sefilian and the gunmen known as the Daredevils of Sassoun – currently serving prison sentences. Sefilian is imprisoned for plotting armed assaults, while the Daredevils of Sassoun, an armed syndicate comprising several gunmen, were sentenced for the 2016 attack on a police station.

The NSS said that two men, linked with Sefilian and the group, have operated a criminal syndicate plotting to use improvised explosive devices in various locations of Armenia to attack government facilities, commit terror and illegally put forward certain demands from authorities.

Both men, as well as 4 other accomplices have been detained.

NSS said they’ve gathered intelligence reports that certain foreign intelligence agencies, organizations as well as individuals are spreading extremist ideologies, views of intolerance and violence in Armenia, causing factors which contribute to the rise of terror threat.

The national security service said they obtained intelligence reports that certain individuals, who have been placed on a watch-list previously, are plotting severe crimes.

The two men, affiliated with Sefilian and the Daredevils of Sassoun, plotted to use about 150 remotely controlled IEDs in various locations, namely in Freedom Square of Yerevan, Dalma Garden Mall, in transportation vehicles and under bridges and other roads, as well as near residential facilities, to terrorize the society, including by targeting government officials and law enforcement agencies.

The plotters had even tested their IEDs and attempted to recruit accomplices.

A criminal case was launched on April 21. Agents have discovered multiple evidences, including detonators, explosive materials and other items as part of searches.

An investigation is launched into the case. The NSS said it will soon release a footage relating to the case.